The beauty of living a value-based life

Values are those invisible elements of self that have a huge impact on own perceptions of meaning and significance. We all have them, but not all of us are aware of them, and not all of us use them to create our lives. When a person lives a life based on his personal values, he fills fulfilled, empowered, happy and ready to take everything that life has to offer. On the other hand, when a person lives a life without self-awareness of his own values or with compromising on own values, something just doesn't feel right. The more one does that, the more stuck he gets. This could result in lack of motivation, lack of confidence, lack of direction and other self-limiting moods.

This is why it is always advisable to take some time to reflect on your own values and to what extend they are part of your decision and choice making. When it comes to values it is difficult to talk about models and concepts as each individual is unique and lives up to own values in a unique way. However, to get you started on this thinking path, here are three major states of mind you might find yourself in and some strategies on where to go from where you find yourself.

I have never thought what is it that I value in my life 

If you are in a position in which you've never had the time or opportunity to reflect upon your values, you are missing a huge source of energy and joy to boost you through your life experiences. Once you start thinking in terms of what you value and align your values with your actions, you will experience an unknown empowerment. So how to get started?

The strategy: 

Draw in your mind a picture of your ideal self. Look in the details. How do you look? What is your work? Who are you working with? Who is in your circle of family and friends? What do you do for fun? How do you relax? How do you feel? And so on.
Next, make a list of all the qualities and characteristics that describe your ideal self. If you are stuck at this point, here is a great list of values that can enhance your reflections. However, this list is not exhaustive, so don't be afraid to com up with your own qualities.
Now that you have this list of qualities that would make your ideal self, think about 3 to 5 that bring most meaning in your life; ones that you are not ready to sacrifice no matter what.
Finally, think about how your top values apply in your life. Are they present? In which areas are they present? Where are they sacrificed? What makes you give up on your values in these areas? These are just a few questions that can encourage you to delve into self-exploration.
Or, if you are fan of tests, you can try the resource of Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee that will help you discover your values.

I know what my values are, but I don't have the option to live up to them

This is probably the most challenging mind-set. If you find yourself here, there are two strategies I would offer you.
Strategy 1:
Find some time to reevaluate your values. I personally believe that values evolve over time. If you have identified your values some time ago, it might be useful to reflect on what is it that matters to you today and brings meaning in your everyday activities. You might come up to some intriguing insights about your values, and discover that you are actually on your values path. However, if this is not the case, check out the next strategy.

Strategy 2: 

You are aware of your values and you are aware that you are compromising on them in your daily life. This is a huge advantage and I want to acknowledge you about that. Now you have to reflect on what sacrifices are you making when you are not living up to your values. Next, think how do you feel when you are compromising with your values: are you happy, empowered, energized? Where do you see yourself in 5 years if you continue to give up on your values? Finally, pay attention to how you feel during this process? Are you ok with your current situation or you are ready to take action?

I am living a value-based life

Congratulations! Spread the word! Share your story with your significant others to help them feel the empowerment and beauty of living up to own values.

The Strategy: 

Don't allow you authenticity and momentum to slip away. You have gone through the process of identifying your values and finding your unique way to live up to them. It would be beneficial if you internalize this process as a practice and come back periodically to these type of activities in order to be up to date with your personal growth and your values life path.